Ok.. not sure if this is an SBA question or should be in one of the OS sub-forums..

I'm looking to get a Zotac ZBox Nano to set up as an HTPC like device for my parents. I'm already going to be doing tech-support for them, so that's a moot point regardless.

They want to be able to use the device to stream pictures/slideshows/videos from their laptops to their TV, and "possibly" watch internet streams. (Basically they saw what I did with my HTPC setup and wanted a scaled down version). Basically it's going to be a media server, but they don't download much.

I'm trying to do this on the cheaper side, so I was considering looking at Linux as an option to keep the cost down, so I thought I'd ask the gerbils here if this was even feasible, and if so, how user friendly would it be? This box would need to be able to access shared folders on Windows laptops on the same network.

My other option (much easier) is to shell out another $100 bucks for a Win7 and set up WMC to do everything they want.

I'd love to go the linux route just for fun, but if I can't get it to work smoothly and be crash free, I'm pretty sure my parents won't be able to use it...

Definitely Win 7, and I'm a UNIX/Linux admin by trade. If they ever want to stream Netflix, they will need Silverlight. Some intrepid souls have sugggested a VM running XP for Silverlight support (you probably have XP lying around, right? I do.), but I think you see the support nightmare coming. Save your sanity for a hundred bucks.

I'm building a HTPC for myself and it's Win 7, even if I decide to go with XBMC instead of, or in addition to Media Center. I don't even subscribe to Netflix. Yet.